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Trains from Chicago to Kansas City

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Chicago - Kansas City Train Timetable

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Train Route Overview: Chicago to Kansas City

There are 23 daily trains from Chicago to Kansas City. Traveling by train from Chicago to Kansas City usually takes around 26 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 7 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance412 mi (664 km)
Fastest train7h 10m
Lowest price€53.26
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Kansas City

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.1

4.0

Christina

18 March 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Not having to pay for gas. Cons: Cleanliness of the bathrooms.

Pros: Not having to pay for gas. Cons: Cleanliness of the bathrooms.

4.0

Aaron

7 June 2021- Business

Amtrak

Pros: I liked the comfortable and quiet arrangements: air conditioning, leg room, cushioned seats. I liked the wifi and electrical outlets for working. Cons: The mask mandate was very annoying. CDC regulations have lifted this mandate, so have even the most strict stat...

Pros: I liked the comfortable and quiet arrangements: air conditioning, leg room, cushioned seats. I liked the wifi and electrical outlets for working. Cons: The mask mandate was very annoying. CDC regulations have lifted this mandate, so have even the most strict states. The employees were too strict about it. Also, one employee told me the train would be sold out, so to move my stuff from the seat next to me. This never materialized. Also, the Missouri River Runner train had spotty Wifi service. Tips: Bring cushy headphones in case of babies or loud passengers. Hot water is free, so bring tea bags.

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4.0

Bill

30 November 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: Taking the train to Chicago from Kansas City is the very best way to get to the Windy City! The train leaves Union Station at 7:30 am and arrives around 2:30 pm in Chicago, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing and dinner. Seats are nice and wide with lots of l...

Pros: Taking the train to Chicago from Kansas City is the very best way to get to the Windy City! The train leaves Union Station at 7:30 am and arrives around 2:30 pm in Chicago, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing and dinner. Seats are nice and wide with lots of legroom. We appreciate the footrest and the leg recliner. We pack a picnic for both ways, so I have no comments on the dining car. Cons: Sometimes there is too much chatter from the conductors. For those trying to nap it can be annoying. Bathrooms could use a bit more care, especially when the train is crowded. Tips: Download your favorite books and movies. Consider packing snacks to nibble along the way. Then sit back and enjoy the ride!

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4.0

Mihalis G.

20 August 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Pros: The train was very well maintained. On train staff were very nice. Seats recliner far back and there was plenty of leg room. Important to note: this applies to trains used for the Southwest Chief ONLY. It is a long haul train designed for comfort in both Coach an...

Pros: The train was very well maintained. On train staff were very nice. Seats recliner far back and there was plenty of leg room. Important to note: this applies to trains used for the Southwest Chief ONLY. It is a long haul train designed for comfort in both Coach and Business. Cons: Enough announcements already. Every 30 minutes or less an announcement promoting the dining car. The cost for food onboard is ridiculous. Bring snacks with you! Tips: Bring snacks because food prices onboard are astronomical and truly gouge you.

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5.0

Patricia

6 August 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Southwest Chief

The train restrooms needed attention.

The train restrooms needed attention.

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Kansas City?

In the last month, €141.27 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Kansas City. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €107.27 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

€196€131€65MayJun

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Kansas City will vary between €133 and €184. Planning a train trip to Kansas City within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is €133. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

€140€112€84€56€28JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Kansas City by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just €71 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Kansas City in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €129 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

€234€187€140€93€473020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Kansas City from Chicago will be about €107.27 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Kansas City?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Kansas City. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 22 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak221d 3h 41m€175.65
Amtrak Southwest Chief17h 11m€91.27
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 22 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Kansas City every day, as well as 24 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €56.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Southwest Chief

    Amtrak Southwest Chief

    The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Kansas City in about 7 hours and 11 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Kansas City during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Kansas City?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Kansas City. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Kansas City?

The distance between Chicago and Kansas City is approximately 412 miles, or 664 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 26 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 10 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

When are trains the most crowded?

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Kansas City on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Chicago at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Chicago to Kansas City?

There are 23 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Kansas City. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Kansas City to Chicago.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Kansas City

Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.

Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.

Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

New York, NY - Penn Station - NYCPEN-0

Departure stations

Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Penn Station

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • Newark Penn Station

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • Union Station

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Union Station

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • MLK Plaza - 415 Emerald Ave

Related reading

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